Bill > HB1077

This bill addresses Hawaii's climate emergency by increasing the transient accommodations tax (TAT) from 9.25% to 11% starting January 1, 2026, and establishing two new special funds: the Climate Mitigation and Resiliency Special Fund and the Economic Development and Revitalization Special Fund. Each fund will receive 7.3% of the total TAT revenue. The Climate Mitigation and Resiliency Special Fund, administered by the Department of Defense, will support projects that mitigate, adapt to, and increase resilience against climate change, with a selection committee comprising key state officials and two at-large members. The Economic Development and Revitalization Special Fund, managed by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, will fund projects related to economic development, infrastructure in tourism districts, climate change mitigation, and tourism marketing. The bill recognizes the urgent need to address climate change's impacts on Hawaii's ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities, and aims to provide a coordinated approach to preparing for and responding to these challenges through strategic funding and project selection.